True Tales From Old Houses
130 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 173 ratingsTrue Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies.
Available weekly, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
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Episodes
Joe Thornton: Village Thatcher
June 20, 2022 10:10 - 58 minutes - 80 MBIn today's episode, Stacy chats with Joe Thornton, a 2nd generation Master Thatcher from the charming Cotswolds region of England. Roof thatching is a trade that has been around for thousands of years. Also, Stacy and Jason Lamb discuss built-in box gutter basics. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog will teach you everything you need to know to restore yo...
How Inheriting an Old House Changed Emily's Life
June 06, 2022 09:25 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBIn today’s episode, Stacy and Alex talk about ways to get your DIY groove back when you’re feeling overwhelmed. And later, Emily Heller talks about how inheriting a dilapidated old house changed the trajectory of her life, personal and professional. To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog will teach you everything you need to know to restore your original wood windows...
Meet Artisan Woodworker Paul Kenworthy
May 23, 2022 09:25 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBIn today’s episode, Stacy chats with artisan woodworker Paul Kenworthy. They discuss Paul’s design process and what motivates and inspires his craft. Also, Stacy and architect Katelyn Parker offer solutions for a listener struggling with a confusing front door situation. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog will teach you everything you need to know to restore your original wood windows. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales. Aba...
Historic District Pros and Cons
May 09, 2022 09:13 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBIn today’s episode, Lindsay Jones from Blind Eye Restoration joins Stacy for Q&A. They've got bathroom remodeling on their minds as they talk about identifying poor-quality work and other problems lurking behind finished walls and floors. And later, Leslie Brians from the Pines Preservations Guild in North Carolina explains the ins and outs of Historic Districts and what they mean for homeowners. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman...
Ask a Painter: Nick Slavik
April 25, 2022 10:05 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBIn today’s episode, Stacy and Alex discuss how they would handle the renovation of their old houses if money were no object. And later, Stacy chats with Nick Slavik, owner of the Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration company and the host of a weekly online social media show called Ask a Painter Live. Nick is also a business innovator and one of the most energetic and passionate people Stacy has ever hosted on the show. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott S...
Amateur Archaeology at The Bog House
April 11, 2022 11:34 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBIn today's episode, you'll meet Melissa & Matt Dunphy. Melissa and Matt are privy diggers, amateur archaeologists, and hosts of The Bog House Podcast. Also, during Q&A, Alex offers some excellent advice about updating the heating and cooling systems in your old house. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWo...
Amateur Archaeology at The Boghouse
April 11, 2022 11:34 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBIn today's episode, you'll meet Melissa & Matt Dunphy. Melissa and Matt are privy diggers, amateur archaeologists, and hosts of The Boghouse Podcast. Also, during Q&A, Alex offers some excellent advice about updating the heating and cooling systems in your old house. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWoo...
Updating Knob and Tube and Alison Hardy, Window Woman of New England
March 28, 2022 09:00 - 56 minutes - 78.1 MBIn this episode, Stacy invites Alex from Old Town Home to help her answer the listener question, "How do you replace knob and tube wiring without destroying plaster walls? And later, Stacy chats with Alison Hardy, who launched the window restoration company Window Woman of New England nearly 20 years ago. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair pr...
An Abandoned House Becomes a Home
March 14, 2022 09:12 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBIn today’s episode, you’ll meet Jaya. He and his wife bought an abandoned farmhouse house in Japan that he is bringing back to life. Also, Stacy and Dianne talk about the Scotland and Northern Ireland tour that Stacy is hosting in summer 2022. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truet...
Fire Safety Tips and Old Buildings Reimagined
February 28, 2022 11:03 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn today's episode, Stacy talks to fire chief Roger LeBlanc about how long we really have to get out of a burning house, plus he shares his best fire safety advice for old house owners. Also, Stacy chats with Natalie Heneghan, the education manager of Rethos: Places Reimagined, a non-profit dedicated to supporting homeowners through DIY education and reimagining old buildings. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the cou...
Hands-on Trades Education or a College Degree? Why Not Both?
January 17, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 67.3 MBDuring this final episode of season six, Stacy welcomes Dave Mertz, program chair of the Building Preservation Program at Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Also, Stacy offers several end-of-season updates, including the season seven listener question and a big travel announcement. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licen...
Do I Need to Hire an Architect?
January 03, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBDo you need to hire an architect? In today's episode, Stacy talks to Katelyn Parker from Bungalow Roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Katelyn explains how architects can help owners of old houses make sympathetic changes for modern life. Furthermore, she describes how architects, engineers, and designers differ. Also, Stacy and John Rodgers discuss their favorite paints and stains. Spoiler, John's favorite isn't paint at all. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott...
Joe's Farmhouse in New Brunswick
December 20, 2021 12:58 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBIn today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Joe Peterson, longtime listener, first-time guest. Joe is at the tail end of restoring his childhood home, an authentic farmhouse in New Brunswick, Canada. Also, Stacy talks to Aaron, founder of the Plunjr app. They discuss ways to avoid plumbing disasters, especially during the holidays. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Download the P...
House of Brinson
December 06, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBOn today's show, recorded in front of a live audience in Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy chats with Susan and William Brinson from House of Brinson. Eight years ago, Susan and Will left New York City and bought Stony Ford, a large country estate with a rich and colorful history. Also, Devyn Caldwell is back for another Listener Q&A. He and Stacy discuss when and if the layout of an old house should be changed to better suit modern life. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Win...
Daniel Kanter: Serial Volunteer and Champion of Old Houses
November 22, 2021 13:20 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBOn today’s show, the first in front of a live audience in beautiful Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy talks to the always hilarious Daniel Kanter about revitalizing his community through the Kingston City Land Bank. Also, Stacy meets her previous co-host Devyn Caldwell, in person for the first time, and they answer the listener question together. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Download the...
Leisa Collins Loves Art and Old Houses
November 08, 2021 12:42 - 55 minutes - 76.5 MBIn today’s episode, you’ll meet artist Leisa Collins. Leisa traveled across the United States, creating paintings of old homes and buildings along the way. She turned her art into a beautiful coffee table book filled with love and reverence for history and architecture. Also, Stacy and Alex share some resources for hard-to-find hardware and supplies. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales. Download t...
Are You Responsible for Your Ghost?
October 25, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBIn this episode, Stacy wonders, If you inherit a ghost, do you have to keep it? Guests Denise, Molly, and Brianna, share three different paranormal experiences that pique Stacy's curiosity about that moral conundrum. October is ghost story month, so get ready for some goosebumps. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy discusses plaster repair basics with Alex from Old Town Home. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code tr...
Home Sweet Funeral Home: Keith Stachowiak
October 11, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 64.8 MBIn this episode, Stacy welcomes Architect Keith Stachowiak from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three years ago, Keith and his wife Elisa bought a former funeral home to convert into their primary residence. Keith's story is the first of two spooky, fun October shows. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy admits her greatest fears about buying Blake Hill House.
Everyone Still Loves Cheap Old Houses
September 27, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 78 MBIn today’s episode, Stacy is thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Finkelstein from the wildly popular Instagram Account and recent HGTV and Discovery+ TV Series, Cheap Old Houses. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss managing expectations with contractors.
Man with A Hammer
September 13, 2021 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBOn today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Greg, a fun-loving Brit best known as Man with a Hammer, on Instagram. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss ways to find a good contractor.
Steve Jordan: Author of The Window Sash Bible
August 02, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn this episode, Steve Jordan, preservation specialist, author of The Window Sash Bible, and longtime contributing editor to Old House Journal, talks about a lifetime of work in the building trades and offers helpful do-it-yourself advice too. Also, Stacy and Christopher Hewitt share plumbing tips during listener Q&A.
My Old House Fix
July 19, 2021 11:26 - 45 minutes - 42 MBIn this episode, Stacy chats with Christopher Hewitt. Christopher started My Old House fix, a blog, website, and Facebook group to offer a place for old house owners to find the answers to their DIY questions and dilemmas. Also, Stacy discusses spontaneous combustion and safety.
Bonus: Old House Segments from the Archives
July 05, 2021 11:58 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBStacy is away for the long holiday weekend. So, for today's episode, she's sharing previously recorded content that never aired, including more information about writing historic register nominations, the importance of documenting your projects with notes and photos, and what it’s like to be a kid growing up in an old house.
From Toronto to Detroit: An Old House Story
June 21, 2021 11:39 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MBIn this episode, Stacy chats with Amy, who now lives in Detroit, Michigan. Amy and her husband relocated to the US from Toronto, Canada, and she talks about the triumphs and hurdles of falling in love with an old house and pursuing homeownership in a new country. Also, during listener Q & A, Stacy and Alex discuss some different ways to acquire DIY skills.
House Crashing in Historic St. Joseph, Missouri
June 07, 2021 11:26 - 55 minutes - 51 MBFor today's special field trip episode, Stacy travels to historic St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit John Rodgers of Phoenix Preservation. Stacy and John chat about his path to the trades, what he wishes old house owners would stop doing, and the special camaraderie within the old house community. Also, Ashley Goldman and Stacy revisit a past listener question about simple and inexpensive ways to increase property value.
Choosing House Paint Colors With Expert Help
May 24, 2021 11:06 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBOne of the most popular old house questions is, “What color should I paint my house?” Kristine Teno from Teno Interiors is here with some tips and ideas for choosing an exterior paint color you’ll love. Also, Alex from Old Town Home is back to help answer a listener question about the first steps of project planning.
The Oldest Street in the US: Elfreth's Alley
May 10, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 74.2 MBIn this episode, Stacy learns about Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest residential street, which is located in Philadelphia. She chats with Ted Maust, director of the Elfreth's Alley Museum, and long-time residents of the alley, Rob and Sue Kettell. Also, Bill from Enon Hall is back to help Stacy answer a listener question about adding modern amenities, such as kitchens and baths, into old houses.
What Style is That? Identifying Old American Architecture
April 26, 2021 09:00 - 55 minutes - 61.4 MBIn this episode, Stacy chats with Karyn Norwood, an architectural historian and teacher. Karyn founded the popular Instagram account, What Style is That? an educational and fun side-project where she photographs, identifies, and labels the defining features of old American architecture. Also, Stacy and Ashley discuss when, and if it’s ever ok to “fake” historic features using modern replacements.
Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth and Flax
April 12, 2021 09:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBIn this episode, Stacy asks Natalie Yon-Eriksson from Earth and Flax all the linseed oil paint questions she’s been wondering about over the years. Is it easy to use? How is it made? What are the benefits and limitations of linseed oil paint? Natalie has the answers to all of those questions and plenty more. Also, Stacy and Alex from Old Town Home discuss the best first project to tackle when you buy an old house.
Town Historian Robert Goller
March 29, 2021 09:44 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MBIn this, the 50th episode, Stacy is on location visiting Robert Goller, historian for the town of Aurora and village of East Aurora, New York. Stacy and Robert discuss methods for researching the history of an old house and how local lore often becomes the last word even when the stories are incorrect. Additionally, Robert talks about the importance of documenting and sharing uncomfortable history with accuracy and sensitivity. At the beginning of this episode, Stacy and Bill from Enon Hal...
Paint Talk With Scott From The Craftsman Blog
March 15, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBIn this episode, Stacy welcomes back long-time friend of the show, Scott Sidler, from The Craftsman Blog. Stacy and Scott discuss the high-quality formulas hidden behind the paint store counter and best practices for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Scott wraps up the show with info about his new self-paced window restoration course for DIYers. Stacy and Lindsay from Blind Eye Restoration also discuss their favorite modern products compatible with old house projects.
On Location at The Tool Library, Buffalo, New York
March 01, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Bill from Enon Hall discuss momentum and maintaining enthusiasm for long-term projects. Later, Stacy is on location at The Tool Library in Buffalo, New York. The city of Buffalo is comprised of around 90% old house inventory. Guests Darren and Maddie explain The Tool Library’s origins and how the sharing economy benefits renters, homeowners, and communities.
Lindsay Jones: Blind Eye Restoration
February 15, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Ashley from The Gold Hive discuss oddball additions to historic structures. Later, Stacy welcomes Lindsay Jones from Blind Eye Restoration, a woman-owned architectural conservation company in Columbus, Ohio. Lindsay shares about preservation from a construction perspective.
Laine and Kevin Berry: Our Restoration Nation
February 01, 2021 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBIn this first episode of Season five, Stacy is flying solo. Feeling lonely, she invites a past podcast guest to join her for listener Q&A. Later, she talks to Laine and Kevin Berry of Our Restoration Nation about their preservation projects and life post-Louise, the Big Little House in Louisville, Georgia.
Stephen and David: Driven by Curiosity
December 21, 2020 15:06 - 48 minutes - 58.3 MBIn Devyn's final episode as co-host, he and Stacy discuss their house goals for 2021. Later, they welcome Stephen and David St. Russel, owners of a Boston-area Victorian. Driven by boundless energy and curiosity, Stephen and David talk about adding character back to the shell of a house they bought, the One Room Challenge, and beekeeping.
Karolyn's Childhood Dream Comes True
December 07, 2020 18:09 - 49 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss how they determine which work to DIY and which to hire out. Safety first! Later, they welcome Karolyn Fuller, also known as Lady Dukart, on Instagram. As a child, Karolyn biked the backroads around her rural home, exploring abandoned old houses and daydreaming about restoring one of her own. Now, her dream has come true. Through her camera's lens, Karolyn sees beauty in the process, not just the glossy after photos. show notes & transcripts
Ward Schraeder: HGTV's Bargain Mansions and Dad Advice
November 23, 2020 13:25 - 50 minutes - 61.3 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss their favorite features of their old houses. Later, they seek common ground with Ward Schraeder, co-host of HGTV's Bargain Mansions. Can they find it? Will you? show notes & transcripts
Richard to the Stained Glass Rescue
November 09, 2020 14:55 - 53 minutes - 59.1 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss building products and techniques they'd bring back to the mainstream as well as modern construction materials they happily use instead. Later, they welcome Richard Cann from the UK. Richard rescues stained glass windows from the dump and sells them as art pieces. He offers insight into salvaging stained glass from British houses and discusses the modern beliefs that lead people to replace British history with "plastic toy windows." At the end of ...
Gary is Still Rude and Other Ghost Stories
October 26, 2020 16:00 - 59 minutes - 136 MBBig news! Today kicks off the fall fundraising merchandise event. True Tales From Old Houses, tees, and hoodies are available for a limited time. Visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com for purchase information as well as show notes and transcripts from this episode. In this episode, Devyn and Stacy revisit past projects to report on how they’ve held up over the years. Later, Stacy finally shares the experience that converted her from a total skeptic to “maybe sort of a believer, but let’s not...
Too Random to be a Coincidence
October 12, 2020 13:45 - 38 minutes - 43.3 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Devyn talk about their favorite DIY tasks related to old houses. Later, guest John Harrington kicks off the October ghost story series. His story is a tale of items lost and then found in the most serendipitous ways. For more information and transcripts, visit the show notes on TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com.
Enon Hall: In It for the Long Haul Part II
September 28, 2020 13:41 - 37 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this episode, Devyn and Stacy talk about how their families feel about their dedication to old houses. Later, they welcome Bill Chapman. Known as the "Granddaddy of the house blog movement," Bill and his wife Gay have been restoring and rehabbing Enon Hall for over 20 years! This episode is part two of two, and today's focus is on Bill's favorite projects and burnout.
Enon Hall: In It for the Long Haul Part I
September 14, 2020 13:46 - 49 minutes - 61.9 MBIn this episode, Devyn and Stacy offer advice to a listener about her window restoration dilemma. Later, they welcome Bill Chapman. Known as the "Granddaddy of the house blog movement," Bill and his wife Gay have been restoring and rehabbing Enon Hall for over 20 years! Bill's story is one of trust and vision. Although we cannot change history, we can shape the future. Today's episode is part one of two.
Rathskellers + A Cheap Old Houses Reprise
August 31, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MBStacy is on vacation. So, this week's episode includes bonus content plus an "Everyone Loves Cheap Old Houses and Elizabeth Finkelstein," reprise. What the heck is a rathskeller? Fan favorites, Alicia and Zach, from episode #35, share a fun story about this very German and Milwaukee-specific room. Episode #11: Everyone Loves Cheap Old Houses and Elizabeth Finkelstein first aired July 15, 2019. Today's version has been re-engineered. show notes & transcripts
Lee Ann: Show Me the Flow Blue
August 17, 2020 14:13 - 48 minutes - 56.3 MBIn this episode, Stacy and Devyn talk about what they wish they'd known before they bought their old houses. They also offer practical advice to house hunters. Later, Stacy talks to Lee Ann, lover of all things Victorian and flow blue pottery. A wealth of knowledge about flow blue, Lee Ann explains the origin of the style, learning how to spot fakes, and some resources and tips for starting a collection. show notes & transcripts
Alicia and Zach: What We Leave Behind
August 03, 2020 14:38 - 44 minutes - 49 MBIn this episode, Stacy briefly discusses the basics of homeowner's insurance as it relates to old houses. Riveting! Later, Stacy and Devyn welcome guests, Alicia & Zach. After Zach found the blueprints of their old house tucked away in a built-in cupboard, the pair went down a rabbit hole of serious research. As we listened to their story, we couldn't help but wonder what we, as old house owners, should be leaving behind for future generations. show notes & transcripts
Daniel Kanter: Beige Kitchens and Other Commentroversies
July 20, 2020 15:55 - 50 minutes - 65.9 MBIn this episode, Devyn and Stacy, who both live in the Eastern US, answer the question, "If you moved to the west coast, would you still seek out an old house?" Later, Devyn and Stacy enjoy a conversation with the always lively and endearing, Daniel Kanter. The interview ranging from hilarious to serious, discusses topics such as the highs and lows of DIY, the sometimes caustic comments from invested readers, and the zen of folding your underwear into tiny little pastry shapes. Show Not...
That'll Take Eight Weeks and Other Lies
July 06, 2020 10:00 - 47 minutes - 57.2 MBWelcome to Season Four of True Tales From Old Houses! In this episode, Stacy and Devyn answer the listener question, "How much hands-on work do you do?" Today's guest is Alex Santantonio from the popular blog and Instagram account, Old Town Home. In 2003, Alex and Wendy bought a row house in Old Town Alexandria, and they've had a love affair with restoration and DIY ever since. With seventeen years of old house experience under his belt, Alex is well-acquainted with success, ...
Historic Designation: What's in it for me?
June 08, 2020 15:00 - 41 minutes - 50.9 MBIn today's episode, Stacy and Devyn answer a listener's question about design regrets. Also, what protections and benefits, if any, do national, state, and local historic designations offer for your old house? We asked preservation professional, Melissa Mortimer, to give us some answers. Show Notes & Transcripts
Terry The Master of Plaster Restoration
May 26, 2020 15:29 - 42 minutes - 47.3 MBIn today's episode, Devyn and Stacy tackle the question, "Would you rather fix up your old house all at once or take your time?" Also, Stacy discusses decorative plaster restoration with Terry Wullenweber, a master of plaster for over 40 years. This is the last episode recorded on their visit to New Albany, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, Show Notes & Transcripts
Stories From Our First Field Trip
May 11, 2020 13:36 - 39 minutes - 46.5 MBIn February, mere weeks before COVID-19 turned the world upside down, Stacy and her friend Drew went on the first True Tales From Old Houses field trip. Unfortunately, Devyn was still on medical leave. The plan was to interview two restoration specialists and visit two historic buildings in Indiana and Kentucky. Today's bonus episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the trip. Stacy and Drew share several good stories-- most of them about the Culbertson Mansion, a Southern Indiana tre...